Member Spotlight: Tocaro Blue
November 10, 2025
Tocaro Blue advances intelligent, autonomous technologies that enhance safety and efficiency in the maritime domain. At the heart of the company’s innovation is ProteusCore™, machine learning radar processing software that transforms traditional marine radar into an AI-powered perception sensor—delivering advanced situational awareness for autonomous and semi-autonomous vessels.
Value of Tocaro Blue’s AUVSI Membership
Breanna Clemmons of Tocaro Blue says that AUVSI membership aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to advance safe, intelligent autonomy on the water.
“AUVSI’s vision—to create a future where uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomous technologies solve critical challenges—resonates deeply with our goals,” Clemmons says. “The association connects us with innovators across air, land, and sea who share our commitment to smarter, data-driven autonomy and responsible integration.”
Through AUVSI, Tocaro Blue participates in the broader effort to develop common safety standards and intelligent regulatory frameworks that promote responsible innovation and sustained economic growth. “Together, we’re shaping a future where intelligent, uncrewed systems deliver measurable benefits for people, economies, and maritime operations,” Clemmons adds.
Exciting Industry Developments
Tocaro Blue believes the next wave of unmanned systems will be defined by advanced artificial intelligence that enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it.
“The future of maritime autonomy lies in intelligent systems that collaborate with human operators—processing massive amounts of data and turning it into actionable insight,” Clemmons says. “This human-centered approach ensures that technology enhances, not replaces, expertise.”
ProteusCore™ embodies this philosophy. Its machine learning radar processing enables radar to detect, classify, and track objects with precision, providing clarity and confidence for safer navigation. By serving as a collaborative tool for mariners, it demonstrates how AI can make autonomy safer, smarter, and more intuitive.
Industry Challenges
Despite rapid progress, Clemmons notes that the maritime sector still faces critical perception challenges.
“Compared to unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, marine environments present unique difficulties for sensors,” she explains. “Sea spray, reflections, and limited visibility degrade camera performance, while rain and rough seas impact radar. These conditions make reliable perception—especially using commercially viable sensors—a persistent challenge.”
Tocaro Blue addresses this gap with ProteusCore™, which applies modern AI and machine learning techniques to legacy marine radar. “By making radar more powerful, contextual, and easier to integrate with other sensors, we’re helping autonomy developers overcome one of the biggest technical barriers to safe, scalable unmanned vessel operations,” Clemmons says.
Tocaro Blue’s Role in the Industry’s Future
Tocaro Blue is redefining maritime perception through software-defined radar intelligence. By integrating advanced machine learning models directly into radar workflows, ProteusCore™ turns common marine radar into a smart perception system capable of real-time object classification and tracking.
This approach bridges the gap between traditional radar and modern perception technologies such as LiDAR and vision systems—at a fraction of the cost and with greater reliability in adverse weather. “Our goal is to establish radar as the fundamental component of the autonomous perception stack,” Clemmons says.
Beyond technical advancement, Tocaro Blue’s work contributes to safer navigation, reduced human error, and increased operational efficiency. “We’re helping modernize one of maritime’s most trusted tools and, in doing so, laying the groundwork for safer, more autonomous oceans,” she adds.
Building Public Trust
Jeff Thornton, Executive Vice President of Tocaro Blue, plays an active role in fostering public understanding of unmanned maritime systems. He recently participated in the Leadership Pensacola Regional Economics Day, joining a panel on the “Maritime Opportunity” and the creation of a Maritime Prosperity Zone at the Port of Pensacola.
“The event brought together local leaders and innovators to discuss how maritime technology can drive sustainable growth,” Thornton says. “Trust begins with open dialogue—showing how AI and machine learning can improve safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.”
Through community engagement and thought leadership, Tocaro Blue is helping bridge the gap between innovation and public confidence, ensuring that autonomy at sea develops responsibly and inclusively.
For more information, visit https://www.tocaroblue.com.
